LUKE Patten has been named at fullback for this week's game against the Wests Tigers after being a late withdrawal for the Warriors match. Patten will undergo a fitness test later in the week on his back, but the caching staff are hopeful he will come through. 'Todd Polglase played well last week after the late call up, but we are confident Luke should be back this week,' Mitsubishi Electric Bulldogs coach Steve Folkes said today.

ANOTHER bone crushing weekend of footy sees Parramatta joining Souths and Penrith on the bottom of the ladder. Meanwhile, the Raiders can't believe it as they look ahead only to see open space - a nice change from looking up the backside of other teams. They head up the top of the table and find themselves in good company with the Storm, Brisbane and Easts breathing down their neck.

WESTS Tigers forward Luke O'Donnell could face a hefty stint on the sideline after being charged with striking by the National Rugby League judiciary.O'Donnell's charge was ungraded and referred straight to the judiciary, meaning he will have no opportunity to enter an early guilty plea and must appear at Wednesday night's hearing.

SOUTH Sydney have lost star recruit Chris Walker for up to a month with a fractured arm. Walker sustained the injury in his left forearm in yesterdays heartbreaking loss to his former club, the Brisbane Broncos.